Vegan Ropa Vieja – DrNewMed Healthy Recipes for Healthy Eating

This vegan take on traditional Cuban ropa vieja has shredded soy curls in a spicy sauce with juicy green olives and fresh cilantro. A wonderful protein-packed comfort food dinner that’s quick and easy to make on a weekday!

Ingredients

2 cups soy curls
1 cup vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Ropa Vieja Sauce

1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving

Cooked rice or quinoa
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Soy Curls: In a large bowl, soak the soy curls in vegetable broth or water and soy sauce (or tamari) for about 10 minutes until they become tender and rehydrate. Drain the excess liquid and squeeze out any excess moisture from the soy curls.
Cook the Ropa Vieja Sauce: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, soy sauce (or tamari), apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix everything together, and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Once the sauce is simmering, add the rehydrated soy curls to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the soy curls are coated with the sauce.
Let the Ropa Vieja simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the Vegan Ropa Vieja over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges on the side.